James Fisher sworn in as new Aurora mayor

James Fisher, who was sworn in as Aurora mayor Friday, admitted he is usually not at a loss for words. “But today I am,” he said.

Fisher has served as acting mayor since August while Mayor Lynn McGill was out on sick leave. McGill, 83, stepped down earlier this month for medical reasons after serving as mayor for 11 years.

Fisher told about 75 people at the swearing in ceremony that McGill “did an excellent job as mayor.”

“A lot of things that we do over the next 12 months will be the same. A few things will be fresh,” Fisher said.

“It’s a new day for Aurora,” he added. “If you’re a resident, you should feel confident. If you’re an employee, you should feel comfortable.”

Fisher said one of his goals is to focus on economic development.

“We want to take it to the next level,” he said.

Fisher, 60, began serving as Ward 5 councilman in 2003 and has been council president for the past seven years. He will serve the remainder of McGill’s one-year term and must run in the November 2013 election to retain his seat.

Council Vice President George Horvat was sworn in as council president to complete Fisher’s term.

Council will appoint someone to fill Fisher’s Ward 5 seat in December.

“It’s a great honor to be here,” said Horvat, a long-time Ward 4 councilman who has served the city for 22 years. “I feel very comfortable. We have all worked well together.

“You should be very proud of where you live,” Horvat said.

Afterward, Horvat added, “You always want to leave your mark wherever you go and make it a nicer place. We can do that.”

Law Director Alan Shorr said Friday that he spoke with McGill last week. “He’s doing OK,” Shorr said.

Shorr said that the turnover went smoothly.

“We followed the city charter and that triggered a domino effect,” he said. “The city is fortunate to have such experienced people. Everyone is working together.”

Contact this reporter at 330-541-9400, ext. 4187 or mlesko@recordpub.com